Ohio State junior quarterback C.J. Stroud has declared for the NFL draft, making his announcement on the final day that players can formally declare they are entering the 2023 draft.
Stroud projects as consensus Top 5 player in the NFL draft, according to ESPN’s draft analysts. He’ll compete with Alabama‘s Bryce Young and Kentucky‘s Will Levis to be the top quarterback taken in the draft.
Stroud’s decision doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering his standing. But as he waited to declare, hope grew among the Ohio State fan base that he could return for the 2023 season.
“The process has been difficult,” Stroud said in his announcement, “and the decision one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. As a kid, I dreamed of playing football at the highest level and after much prayer, I’ve made the decision that it’s time to turn those dreams into a reality.”
By going to the NFL and becoming a Top 5 pick, he’s essentially guaranteed $35 million in his first contract.
Stroud, a two-time finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishes his Ohio State career 21-4 as a starter and with 16 Ohio State passing and total offense records. He’s been consistently one of the most dynamic players in the sport the past two seasons, as he finished with 85 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.